Vols. for 1994-1995 distributed to depository libraries in microfiche.

General Note:

Special "80th anniversary supplement" issue published on Aug. 12, 1994.

General Note:

Special ed. for 65th anniversary of the Panama Canal issued at end of Oct. 1979, is also a joint issue with: The News: authorized unofficial publication of the U.S. Armed Forces, Quarry Heights, Panama, and includes the text of the Panama Canal Act.

Slide presentation Photo by Kevin Jenkins
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives Merchant Marine and
Fisheries Committee give their undivided attention to a slidepresentation
by Richard A. Wainio, chief of the Panama Canal Commission Economic
Research and Market Development Division. The committee visited the
Isthmus earlier this month to receive an orientation on the Panama
Canal, highlighted by visits to the locks, Dredging Division, marine traffic
control center and other installations. The visiting representatives
included Carroll Hubbard Jr., chairman of the Subcommittee on the
Panama Canal and the Outer Continental Shelf; subcommittee members
Robert Borski, Douglas H. Bosco, Barbara A. Mikulski and W. J. Tauzin;
Webb Franklin; Norman D. Shumway; and Robin Tallon.

"Spillway" celebrates holiday season

It is with pleasure that the staff of
the SPILLWAY presents this special
edition in observance of the holiday
season. Wrapped inside this 16-
page package are a number of
features intended to capture the
interest of our readers.
The Panama Canal celebrated its
70th anniversary in 1984, and as the
yeai comes toa close, iheSPILLWAY

wraps up its celebration on pages 4
and 5. Page 6 offers several sugges-
tions for caroling on the Canal, and
page 7 contains other special holi-
day features. Last, but not least, is a
page of cruise news.
We hope that our readers will
enjoy this special issue and that
each and every one of you will have
a safe and happy holiday season!

CSS offers maternity benefits

This article on maternitybenefiis
is part of the continuing series on
the Panama Social Security Fund
and is based on a booklet prepared
by .the CSS Economic Benefits
Directorate. Covered employees
are urged to clip and save this
material for future reference. For
further information or to have
questions answered, beneficiaries
should visit the CSS Customer
Relations Department on the site of
the old Casa Miiller on Central
Avenue in the Calidoniaareaorcall
the department at 62-0155 or 62-
0275.

/Maternity benefits offered by
Panama's Social Security Fund
include obstetrical care during preg-
nancy, childbirth and the period

following delivery for female em-
ployees covered by the fund.
Eligible employees are also en-
titled to cash benefits for a six-week
period before and an eight-week
period after the delivery. The pro-
cedures through which Panama
Canal Commission employees may
claim these benefits is outlined in a
booklet prepared by the Office of
Personnel Administration titled In-
formation on the Panama Social
Security System for Beneficiaries
and Supervisors Employed by the
Panama Canal Commission."
To qualify for maternity benefits,
an employee must have made at
least nine payments into the fund
during the 12 months prior to her
seventh month of pregnancy.
The cash benefit for the six-week
(Continued on page 3)

Two recent retirements have re-
sulted in the appointment of two
Panamanians and two U.S. citizens
to positions of greater responsibility
in the Panama Canal Commission.
Michael N. Stephenson has stepped
up from deputy director to director
of the Office of Industrial Relations,
replacing William R. Bell; Edsel
Wong has succeeded Mr. Stephenson
as deputy; John Y. Wagner has
been named deputy director of the
Office of Personnel Administra-
tion, replacing William D. Young;
and George A. Mercier has succeeded
Mr. Wagner as chief of the Person-
nel Operations Division.

Mr. Stephenson graduated from
Cristobal High School in 1960 and
from the University of Oklahoma
with a B. A. in government in 1966/
He returned to Panama with the
Army, and when his tour of duty
ended, worked for a local contractor
until he was offered employment
with the Atlantic Personnel Office
as a position classification specialist.
In 1974, he became chief of the
office, and has worked for the
Canal organization in a number of
other positions since that time. Mr.
Stephenson went to the Industrial
Relations Office in 1980 and became
deputy director in November 1983.

Mr. Wong, a former president of
Local 907(AFSCME)-AFL/CIO),
attended Colegio La Salle through
his junior year, then transferred to

In a few days, the Christian world
will be celebrating anotheranniver-
sary of the birth of Jesus Christ. At
the same time, a number of parents
are celebrating or preparing to
celebrate the births of their own
children. Many establishments in
Panama that deal in maternity
clothes and baby itemsareavailable
to help parents prepare for the
blessed event.
Maternity, on Via Argentina op-
posite the Andres Bello park, and
Prenatique, at the recently inaugu-
rated Plaza Paitilla, are the prin-
cipal dealers in maternity clothes.
In addition, this type of specialized
apparel, as well as items for the
arriving member of the family, can
be found in large department stores,
including the Dante outlets on 50th
Street and El Dorado shopping
center, Linmar stores on Via Ar-
gentina and El Dorado, Bon Bini,
Cuqui Coquette and Diorvett.
Stores that concentrate on baby
clothes, furniture and related ac-
cessories include Baby Chic in El
Dorado and La Canastilla, which
has outlets on 50th Street (across
from Taco Bell) and in Plaza
California on Avenida Ricardo J.
Alfaro (Tumba Muerto). Poppy's,
which is across from, and La Cigie-
fla, which is next to the Mexico
theater on Via Espafia, are also
ideal locations to shop for baby
items.
Others areChiquitina, which is a
few steps down the street from the
Executive hotel, Los Meninos on
50th Street across from Mes6ndela

East High School in Sioux City,
Iowa, graduating in 1949. He studied
engineering in the United States
and, in 1953, returned to Panama
and enrolled in the University of
Panama public administration pro-
gram. His first U.S. governmentjob
was with the Inter-American Air
Forces Academy at Albrook. He
left this position in January 1957
when he was appointed laborattache
to the Panamanian Embassy in
Washington, D. C. After com-
pleting this tour of duty, he was
employed in Panama City for al-
most a year before returning to
IAAFA. He joined the Canal or-
ganization's Adverse and Disci-
plinary Action Section in 1970 and
became chief six years later.
Mr. Wagner came to the Canal
area at the age ofnine. Hegraduated
from Balboa High School in 1954
and attended Canal Zone Junior
College until 1956, when he joined
the Air Force. Returning to Panama
after his discharge, he completed
junior college before going on to
Ohio State University, where he
earned a bachelor's degree in science
and business administration in 1962.
He returned to the Canal as a
marine traffic controller and later
became an admeasurer. In Decem-
ber 1964, he transferred into the
Cristobal Personnel Office and, by
May of 1977, had worked his way
up to chief of the Personnel Oper-
ations Division. During periods of
leave, he had completed work on a

Paella; Novedades Marita, located
off Via Espafia opposite the park-
ing lot for El Panama Hilton;
Disney's across the street from
Central Avenue and J Street; and
Bazaar X, located on Central Ave-
nue diagonal to the former lottery
office and one block down from
Santa Ana Plaza. Dealing exclu-
sively in children's shoes, ortho-

master's degree in management at
the University of Illinois.
Mr. Mercier graduated from Cris-
tobal High School in 1957 and
received a bachelor's degree in Hotel
and Restaurant Management from
Michigan State University in 1962.
He joined the Canal organization
shortly thereafter as manager of a
Supply Division cafeteria and, in
1966, transferred to the Personnel
Office in Cristobal. He served in a
number of personnel positions on
both sides of the Isthmus before
joining the Industrial Relations staff.
In October 1983, Mr. Mercier was
asked to head the management
contingent of a newly formed labor-
management committee for the
Commission's 7,600-member non-
professional bargaining unit.

Sixty days is maxi
Panama Canal Commission
employees who are planning to
retire are advised that they must
vacate Commission housing no
later than sixty days after sepa-
ration.
Employees and dependents
may retain their U.S. official
passports and Panama special
entry/exit cards for sixty days
and will be eligible for non-
elective medical care at U.S.
Army Medical Department
(MEDDAC) facilities for the
same period. For further in-
formation, call 52-7757 or 52-
7995.

mothers-to-be
pedic and non-orthopedic alike, is
the recently opened Ortobamby
outlet on Justo Arosemena Avenue
a few steps from the Bella Vista
theater.
In Colon, mothers-to-be can find
maternity clothes and things for
their expected children at Capri
or Almac6n Vanidades, and baby
items are available at Flipper.

Navy League visit Photo by Armando De Gracia
Members of the Panama Chapterof the U.S. Navy League look over some
of the training equipment used by the Panama Canal Nautical School
during a visit to the school to discuss ways in which the league can be of
assistance to the institution. Over the past few years, the chapter has
donated five scholarships for the training of ship officers, and the purpose
of the visit was to determine whether the group could provide additional
aid to the school. From left are Emilio Batista, deputy director of the
school; instructor Antonio Sudrez; Panama Canal Commission Marine
Director Capt. George T. Hull; instructor Enoch Rodriguez; International
Maritime Organization adviser Capt. Eduardo Cruz; chapter president
Mick O'Hearn; senior vice president Ray Burck; second vice president
Ephraim B. Le6n-Guerrero; and instructor Luis Vega.

Shopping in Panama

Local establishments cater to

How's the Canal Doing?

The following statistics reflect Canal operations and usage
for the month of November:
Average oceangoing transits-31.9 ships per day
Average ready backlog--14.1 ships
Average Canal waters time--19.7 hours
(including transit time)
Average in-transit time-8.5 hours
Ships with beams over 80 feet-47.2 percent
Ships with beams over 100 feet-20.8 percent
Canal water-watchers report that lakes are at optimum
levels for the start of the dry season.
Installed in the Marine Bureau's new training facility in late
September, the Navigation Division simulator has been in-
corporated into the pilot understudy and pilot-in-training
programs. The simulator is proving to be an effective aid in
familiarizing the students with the Canal and its entrance
channels and in teaching them to handle the types of ships that
transit the waterway.,

THE PANAMA CANAL SPILLWAY

December 21, 1984

Saturday swim
The Balboa Armed Servic
YMCA will be offering fam
swimming classes each Saturd;
beginning January 5, fora period
eight weeks. Adult classes will
from 8 to 8:45 a.m., intermedia
and advanced beginners from 8:
to 9:30 a.m., infants from 10
10:30 a.m., beginners age 4 tC
from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m., begin
age7 and 8 from 11:45 a.m. to I
p.m., beginners age 9 to 12 fr
12:30 to 1:15 p.m. and adults fri
1:15 to 2 p.m.
Call 52-2839 or 52-2759 for f
their information.
IT seeks members
An organizational meeting of
Surfside Theatre Improvisatio
Theatre group (IT) will be held
January 4, and anyone who
interested in joining the group
invited to attend.
IT is seeking new talent,
perienced or inexperienced, of
age groups. Stand-up comedia
comedy-skit writers and perform
ers, magicians, jugglers, musi
acts, improvisational actors a
actresses and any other type
performer who is seeking an ou
to exercise an original talent or
opportunity to learn is welcome
For more information, drop
the theater at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesc
evenings or call 82-4507.

--C

Santa's sleigh
Santa and his helpers have an-
nounced their Christmas Eve itin-
erary. In Diablo, the sleigh will stop
at Walker Avenue and Sibert Street
at about 6 p.m., going on to
Quarters 5184 on Parsons Street,
the former clubhouse and the tennis
courts on Hains Street. The Los
:es Rios tour will begin at the elemen-
ily tary school at about 7 p.m. with
ay, later stops at 6435 Camaron Street
Sof and 6580 Caimito Street. At about
be 7:45 p.m., Santa's sleigh should be
tes making its last stop at the Cardenas
:45 Community Building. Residents of
to towns other than Diablo, Los Rios
o 6 and Cardenas should meet Santa's
ers sleigh when it visits the former
:15 Diablo clubhouse.

om "West Side Story"
Attention actors, musicians, stage-
ur- hands and theater enthusiasts! Au-
ditions for the most popular mu-
sical drama of our time, "West Side
Story," will be held in the Panama
the Canal College auditorium January
nal 15 and 17 at 8 p.m. The production,
on based on Shakespeare's tragedy,
is "Romeo and Juliet," is slated for
; is presentation in April. A cast of 39
will be required.
ex- Director Bruce Quinn's plans for
all the college's production of the
ns, musical include innovative musical
rm- arrangements, with the "Sharks,"
cal the Puerto Rican gang, singing
nd their musical numbers in Spanish
of and the "Jets," the American gang,
tlet performing their songs in English.
an Dialogue in the show also will be
. bilingual. Vera Bomford will cho-
by reograph the dance numbers. For
day more information, call 52-3103
during regular duty hours.

Canal People

Christmas Eve service
The community is cordially in-
vited to attend the Christmas Eve
Service at Balboa Union Churchat
7 p.m. The service will abound with
music, including Christmas carols,
and the tradition of placing lighted
candles on the lawn of the church
that began more than 40 years ago
will again be part of the service.
Balboa Union Church is located on
Balboa Road at San Pablo Place,
near the Balboa Post Office.

Crossroads cantata
The Christmas cantata "His Love
Reaching" will be presented by the
Crossroads Bible Church choir at 6
p.m. this Sunday, December 23.
The 35-voice choir is directed by
Bill Forbes.
Computer courses
The Cristobal Armed Services
YMCA is now accepting registra-
tion for two computer courses,
"Introduction to Computer Oper-
ations" and "Advanced Program-
ming," that will begin in January.
The instructor. Carlo Monsanto,
will determine meeting days and
times as the class is established. To
sign up or for further information,
call 41-6868 or 41-6869.

Comedy-drama auditions
Auditions for the Ed Graczyk
comedy-drama "Come Back to the
5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy
Dean" will be held on January 10
and 11 at the Theatre Guild. Spon-
sored jointly by the guild and the
Commission Office of Equal Op-
portunity, the production will be a
prelude to the Commission's Wom-
en's Week, which is planned for
March.
"The script provides unusual
challenge for women who want to
act," says Bruce Quinn, who will
direct the local production. Orig-
inally directed on Broadway by
Robert Altman in 1980,with Sandy
Dennis, Cher and Karen Black
starring, the show has a cast of ten
women and one man. It is set in the
small West Texas town where the
movie "Giant," starring Jimmy Dean
and Elizabeth Taylor, was filmed.
Racquetball tourney
The Panama Canal Commission
Employee Fitness Branch is spon-
soring a women's racquetball tour-
nament, beginning on January 7.
Registration is under way at the
Balboa gymnasium and the Diablo
playshelter until December 28. For
more information call 52-6827, 52-
3211 or 52-2903.

Cristobal YMCA
The Cristobal YMCA offers on-
going courses in English, Spanish.
gymnastics, aerobic exercises and
karate. The Y also maintains barber
and beauty shops, a gift shop and a
restaurant. These facilities are open
for business Monday through Fri-
day.
For further information, stop by
the YMCA or call 41-6868 or 41-
6869.

Gatun Pool family day.
The Gatun Pool will host a
"Family Day Swim Meet" be-
ginning at noon on Saturday, De-
cember 29. Persons of all ages are
invited to participate andjoin in the
fun.
The meet will feature both tradi-
tional and not-so-traditional races,
including everything from crawl,
back stroke, breast stroke and
relays, to inner tube and pingpong
ball competitions.
Parents are urged to accompany
their children to the pool and to
bring alongfood and beverages that
can be shared, pot-luck-style, with
other parents and children.
Further information may be ob-
tained by calling the Gatun Poolat
43-5233.
Karate classes
The Balboa Armed Services
YMCA's Shotokan karate martial
art program is scheduled to begin
on January 7, with classes from 7 to
9 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday
and Friday. The class is open to
persons over 8 years of age. For
more information, call the YMCA
at 52-2839 or 52-2759.

RAC 'n SAC news

TOIB
Elections for Pacific Residents'
Advisory Committee representa-
tives will be-held on January 14.
Commission housing residents who
are 18 years or older and interested
in becoming representatives should
call Henry Twohy at 52-3288 or
Pauline Fulop at 52-7801.

With Ellie Gale, it's all for the birds

by Maria Balonon
The holiday season has always
been special to Ellie Gale. During
this time of year, sheisas likelytobe
out counting sandpipers for the
Panama AudubonSociety'sannual
Christmas bird count as she is to be
at home decorating her tree. On
Christmas Eve in 1974, an ocelot
cub only a few hours old and in need
of a foster mother was brought to
her door and, with her care, later
grew into a healthy adult animal,
now in a propagation program for
endangered Panamanian wildlife.
And, on this Christmas Eve, she will
begin her newjob as a management
analyst in the Systems Division.
Mrs. Gale met her veterinarian-
zoologist husband, Dr. Nathan
Gale, in 1964 when both were
working at the Los Angeles Zoo.
They share a fascination with wild-
life, and their interest inandexperi-
ence with animals have proven
invaluable as they have actively
explored and enjoyed the country
of Panama since theirarrival here in
1972.
Dr. Gale's work as chief of the
U.S. Army Veterinary Activities
Animal Medicine Branch and his
involvement in many projects and
organizations for the preservation
and health of wildlife have brought
many animals into their home for
care. "Over the past 12 years, I have
had the fun and gratification of
helping to care for dozens of or-
phaned wild animals, from harpy
eagles to river otters,"she explains.
At the moment, the Gales share

their home with one blue-and-gold
macaw; four golden Queen of Ba-
varia conures, members of an en-,
dangered parrot species from Brazil;
a crocodile; two eagles; two mixed
breed cats; and two Doberman
pinschers.
In 1975, Mrs. Gale began work-
ing with the Panama Canal Com-
pany as an intermittent clerk-ste-
nographer. The flexible schedule,
she says, was ideal because itallowed
plenty of time for her to be home
with the animals while pursuing her
career. But her skills quickly led to
full-time employment and, though
her career has become top priority,
she still finds time to be deeply
involved with animals.
A member of the Panama Audu-
bon Society since 1972, she served
as the society's project fund-raiser
for 1983 and 1984, and is expected
to take on the responsibility as
president in 1985. Hercontribution
to the society, she hopes, will be to
help others, especially young peo-
ple, develop an interest in birds and
the preservation of their habitats.
Mrs. Gale feels that one of the
most enjoyable ways to learn about
birds is to participate in the society's
annual Christmas bird counts. An
important function of the counts is
to help identify the geographical
patterns and numbers of indigen-
ousand migrating birds. This knowl-
edge is critical to groups trying to
understand the threats to bird hab-
itats posed by deforestation and
other inroads of modern civiliza-
tion, and the information can be

invaluable in supporting preserva-
tion efforts.
Meanwhile, as Mrs. Gale pointed
out in her recent Awareness Week
talk titled "Count Birds for Christ-
mas," people involved can enjoy
themselves by watchingbirdson the
beach, in thejungle or even in their
own backyard.
Through their professional con-
tacts with persons in various fields
related to birds and other animals,
the Gales have been enriched by not
onlythe "fine young animals we've
cared for," but also the many
fascinating people they have come
to know. "Since 1972," explains
Mrs. Gale, "our house has been like
a hotel for animals and people.
There's always been a stream of
interesting house guests and animal
visitors."
Not one to pass up an oppor-
tunity to learn from others and
share the results, she has just com-
pleted a cookbook in which she has
compiled recipes from the many
biologists and their families who
have visited in her home and who
have welcomed her into their homes.
Titled "Birdie-in-the-Tree Cook-
book," it will be available for
purchase through the Panama Au-
dubon Society early in 1985, with
portion of the proceeds going to
various society conservation pro-
jects.
The cookbook and its recipes
also reflect Mrs. Gale's deep in-
terest in the Indian cultures of
Panama, especially in the original
art forms used by the Indians to

a \ ,

Bird in the hand Photo by Maria Balonon
Ellie Gale's love of animals extends both to her pet blue-and-gold macaw,
"Josd," and to the Waunaan Indian wood carvings she collects.

express their natural environment
and its wildlife. "These people have
a very sensitive awareness of the
balance of nature," she says. "Their
work is simply beautiful." In her
many trips into the interior, Mrs.
Gale has developed meaningful
relationships with many of the
Indian groups, and she does what
she can to encourage them to
maintain their art in its original
form.
She has developed a fondness for
the animal wood carvings done by
the Waunaan Indians of the Darien,
and feels that the harmony that this
culture maintains with the natural
forest and the respect their wood
carvings reflect for the wildlife with

which they live are unique. In addi-
tion, soon after her arrival in
Panama, Mrs. Gale, like hundreds
of other visitors and residents,
learned to admire the originality
and natural expression of the molas
made by the Kuna Indians. She has
collected many of these lovely works
of art, especially those with animal
motifs, and shares them with her
stateside friends.
Mrs. Gale is concerned for the
people, animals and environment
of Panama. She hopes that through
her various activities she can in
some small way contribute to a
future that will conserve this land
and its inhabitants for future gen-
erations.

PaoP 2

X art; A,

i -

\-----

"' :. .'~ .' r:l-

December 21, 1984

THE PANAMA CANAL SPILLWAY

January training courses scheduled

The schedule of Employee and
Management Development Branch
training courses that will be offered
to Commission employees be-
ginning in January is provided
below. Information on contents,
eligibility requirements and pre-
requisites can be found in the "Cat-
alog of Training Courses," which
is available in every office.
Those interested in and eligible
for a given course should notify
their bureau's training program
manager, who is responsible for
submitting nominations to the Em-
ployee and Management Develop-
ment Branch by the suspense dates
shown. Two weeks before each
course begins, the branch will no-
tify the training program manager
which nominees have beenselected.
With the exception of "Intro to
Microcomputers and Supercalc,"
which will be offered in Room 10 of

the Balboa Heights Administration
Building, all classes on the Pacific
side will be held at the Panama
Canal Training Center. The At-
lantic-side courses will be held at
Building 206 in Gatun.
In addition to the courses listed
below, the popular 29-minute
Boeing video tapes, "Intro to Data
Processing," will be run again at the
Training Center in rooms I and 2.
On January 23, "Hardware and
Software" will be shown at I p.m.,
"System Analysis" at 1:45 p.m. and
"On-Line Processing" at 2:30 p.m.
The following day,"Computer Aids
to Management" will be shown at 1
p. m. and"M icrocomputers"at 1:45
p.m. Interested persons or groups
may call Pamela Williams at 52-
7872 to reserve spaces. Equivalent
core credit may be approved for
employees presently in managerial
positions.

O payday O holiday 0 liberal leave day
ote: Panama Independence Day will be celebrated on Monday. November 4, rather than Sunday, November 3, for employees
whoe basic workweek il from Monday through Friday.

Academies hold "grass roots" program

The United States Air Force
Academy liaison officers for the
Panama Canal area invite everyone

1/2 P that is interested in learning more
about the service academies to its
"Combined Grass Roots"program
1/2 P at noontomorrow, December22, in

/2 P the Balboa High School Junior
1/2 P Reserve Officers' Training Corps
Building.
Uniformed cadets and midship-
1/3 P men will be available to give first-
hand, up-to-date information on
1/8 P their respective academies. U.S.
1/15 P Army, Navy, Air Force and Mer-
chant Marine Academy liaison rep-
1/15 P resentatives, alumni and instruc-
1/5 P tors and persons currently attend-
1/17 P ing one of the academies are
extended a special invitation, as are
all prospective students from the
local U.S. and Panamanian com-
munities.

The meeting will be informal,
and casual attire is recommended.

Refreshments supplied by the BHS
JROTC will be served. For addi-
tional information, contact one of
the following academy liaison of-
ficers: Maj. Robert Weedin, USAFA,
at 52-3421 or 52-2403; Capt. Phillip
Tomlet, USMMA, at 52-6927; or
Capt. Donald P. Kat, USMMA,
at 52-2333.

CSS
(Continued from page 1)
predelivery and eight-week post-
delivery periods are made on the
basis of the weekly salary on which
the employee has made contribu-
tions for the last nine months. For
example, if the weekly salary has
been equal to $115.38, theemployee
will receive a predelivery payment
of $692.28 for the six weeks before
the scheduled delivery date and
$923.04 for the eight weeks after, or
a total of $1,615.32 for the entire 14
weeks.
The employee will become in-
eligible for maternity benefits if she
does not fully comply with the
prescribed medical treatment or if
she performs any work for pay
during the mandatory rest period.
Payments begin after 51/2 months
of pregnancy whether delivery oc-
curs prior to or after the estimated
date, and whether the child lives or
dies. Claims for maternity benefits
made after one year will not be
honored.

How to Apply: Applications must be submitted to the Employment and
Placement Branch, Building 366, Ancon. or Building 1105, Cristobal, on Form
443, Application For Transfer, no later than seven days from the date of this
publication. Qualification standards may be reviewed at the Panama Canal
Commission Library. Further information may be obtained from the Employ-
ment and Placement Branch. telephone 52-3583, 52-7996 or 46-7219.
I The selected candidate must be able to type at a speed of at least forty words per minute (40 wpm).
SDriver's license required.
Swimming ability required.
The Panama Canal Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Page 3

Take note "
The Atlantic PersonnelOf-
fice in Building 1105, Cristobal,
is open to the public during
morning office hours only, from
7:15 to 11:45.
Panama Canal Commis-
sion employees are reminded
that sailing permits and radio
licenses issued by the Republic
of Panama for privately owned
pleasure and sports craft will
expire on December 31. On the
Pacific side, renewals may be
made at the General Consular
and Shipping Bureau in Room
101 of the Port Captain's Build-
ing in Balboa; while on the
Atlantic side, the place to go is
Room 107. and 109 of Building
1303, which is located behind
the Cristobal Police Station.
For more information, call Ro-
berto A. Catwell at 32-5814 or
32-5885 in Balboa or Rigoberto
Ddvila at 45-2432 in Cristobal.
To compensate for time
lost during the holidays, the
deadline forsubmitting material
for the January 4 issue of the
SPILLWAY has been moved upto
noon on Wednesday, December
26.

THE PANAMA CANAL SPILLWAY

Guest aboard first transit

recalls historic occasion

Official first
The SS "Ancon," carrying among its honored guests Cecilia Garcia, passes Cucaracha Slide during
first transit of the Panama Canal on August 15, 1914.

Anniversary
painting
Cecilia Garcia de Diaz,
or Dofia Chila, as she's
affectionately called.
admires her
complimentary copy of
the Al Sprague painting
commissioned by the
Panama Canal
Commission to
commemorate the
waterway's 70th
anniversary. Ms. Diaz
was aboard the
SS "Ancon" when it
made the historic transit
that opened the Canal to
international maritime
commerce.

Photo bt.
Armando De Grac ia

byJoaquin Horna

Early on the morning of August
15, 1914, the SS Ancon started its
historic journey from the Atlantic
to the Pacific to officially open the
Panama Canal. Col. George W.
Goethals, who had been respon-
sible for overseeing the construc-
tion work, watched from the shore,
traveling from point to point on the
railroad. Hundreds of other people
lined the banks, shoutingand waving
as the vessel steamed through the
channel.
On board among the special
guests was an 18-year-old Pan-
Itheofficial amanian socialite named Cecilia
Garcia, whose married name is now

I--l I-J--
.

Mr

'-' l~sEB5- 12
a .v ,
L -

Cecilia Garcia de Diaz. She had
been invited by Panama president
Dr. Belisario Porras to be his trans-
lator. "He and his wife, doia Alicia,
were great friends of mine," Ms.
Diaz explained during a recent
interview at her Panama City home.
"He frequently called upon me
because I had studied,foreight years
at a Catholic school in Reading,
Ohio."
"First we traveled by train to
Gatun Lake, where we boarded a
boat that carried us to the Ancon, "
Ms. Diaz recalled. "I was thrilled at
being one of the first persons in the
world to cross the Canal." In addi-
tion to Dr. Porras, she said that Dr.
Guillermo Andreve, secretary of
Public Instruction, and Dr. Carlos
A. Mendoza were aboard for the
transit. Her uncles Ladislao Sosa,
secretary of Development and Pub-
lic Works, and Jer6nimo J. Garcia,
general administrator of Lands,
were also in the group.
An orchestra directed by Santos
Jorge, the author of Panama's Na-
tional Anthem, livened up the trip,
Ms. Diaz remembers, and a "delici-
ous" banquet was-served. "When
we arrived at the first locks we were
very happy and excited. Everybody
commented on how well they were
built. I was a little frightened be-
cause the ship seemed so little inside
the locks.
Although the official opening of
the Panama Canal was buried in the
back,pages of many newspapers
because the world's attention was
focused on the war in Europe, the
transit of the Ancon would later be
recognized in history for the signifi-
cant event that it was. And fbr Ms.
Diaz, one of the first'persons.to
pass through the waterway and
possibly the only survivor of the
inaugural transit, it was one of her
most memorable experiences.
Another came three years later
when she married Octavio Diaz, a
well-known Panamanian merchant.
They had four children-Octavio,
Ricardo, Jaime and Lilia.

Ancon-What's in a name?

Name grabber Photo by Kevin Jenkins
The Peruvian cargo vessel "Ancon," one ofat leastfour vessels of the same name to have sailed in Panama Canal
waters, awaits a northbound transit in the Pacific anchorage.

by Susan K. Stabler

When Cecilia Garcia stood on
board the original SS Ancon on
August 15, 1914. for the first official
transit of the Panama Canal, she
was probably so caught up in
the historical significance of the
event that she gave little thought to
the name oftheship she was on. Yet,
since that memorable occasion, at
least three other vessels bearing the
same name have traveled in Canal
waters.
In 1939, the Panama Railroad
Steamship Line replaced the origi-
nal Ancon and its sister ship, the SS
Cristobal, with three brand new,
ultramodern cargo and passenger
liners, the Ancon, Cristobal and
Panama. These vessels served the
Canal organization for many years,
making frequent voyages between
the United States and the Republic

of Panama. They also contributed
to the World War 11 effort, with the
Ancon servings one of the first and
most well-known of the U.S. Navy's
communications ships.
Recently, another namesake of
the Ancon, a Peruvian cargo car-
rier, transited the Canal. Built in
1970. the vessel is owned by Inter-
continental Maritima of Peruand is
a regular customer of the waterway's,
transiting nine times in the last few
years. Its most recent passage was a
northbound transit en route to La
Guaira. Venezuela, with a cargo of
lead and zinc.
One other Ancon, a small coastal
trader, appears to spend great deal
of its time tied up alongside a pier in
Coco Solo. Since the pier is located
in Manzanillo Bay, and since
"ancon" is the Spanish word for a
small bay or cove, perhaps the little
boat enjoys staying close to home.

Pane 4

December 21, 1984

g

December 21, 1984

THE PANAMA CANAL SPILLWAY

Local journalist reports on 70th anniversary transit

The following is a condensed
version of an article that was
written by Franklin Bdsquez
D 'Giovanni and published in "La
Prensa" after the author made a
transit of the Panama Canal on the
70th anniversary of the opening
of the waterway.

It is two o'clock in the morning
when a Commission vehicle arrives
at the home of Capt. Jeremias De
Le6n, the first Panamanian hired to
carry out the duties of a pilot. Four
of us-the driver, Captain De
Le6n, photographer Alcides Ro-
driguez and this reporter-are on
our way to the pilot's headquarters
in Balboa, where Captain De Le6n
reviews several reports that will be
useful during the transit before we
leave for Colon.

A small launch takes us out to the
Jo Lonn, a modern, impressive
Dutch vessel anchored in Colon
Bay, and the master, J. F.
Jongbloed, welcomes us aboard for
the transit. Captain De Le6n
reviews the instruments and re-
quests transit orders over his radio.
The diesel machines start up, and
the ship begins moving over calm
Canal waters as the sun makes its
appearance.
Two tugboats, the Mehaffey and
Morrow, come to the aid of the Jo
Lonn to keep it in a steady position
as it heads into Gatun Locks. The
vessel, which measures 105 feet in
beam, will have only 21/, feet of
space on each side in the 110-foot-
wide chambers. A crew of 20
linehandlers are aboard to coordi-
nate the lockage with the "mules,"

the small powerful locomotives
that help guide vessels through the
locks.
Because this is a vessel of
considerable size, Captain De Le6n
is aided by three other pilots--
William F. Carroll, Ove Jensenand
Willard Theriault. The first two will
monitor from the sides of the ship,
and the latter will relieve Captain
De Le6n in mid-transit.
From the Atlantic Ocean to
Gatun Lake there is an uphill climb
through the locks of some 85 feet,
which goes without a hitch. In front
of us for the three-hour journey
through the lake is the Jo Clipper, a
colleague vessel, and behind us is the
Japanese vessel New York Maru.
After leaving the lake, the ship
starts navigating through the
narrow Gaillard Cut. Captain

Theriault takes command close to
the Gamboa townsite, and Cap-
tain De Le6n becomes assistant
pilot. Although the responsibilities
change, no one is allowed to relax.
Captain Theriault is not as lucky
as Captain De Le6n because a
strong rain now demands more
care. But the pilot's experience isan
insurance agent against the incon-
veniences of nature, and the vessel
forges on to the Pedro Miguel and
Miraflores locks.
At 4:30 p.m. the Jo Lonn leaves
Miraflores on its way to Australia
and New Zealand, loaded with
some 30,000 tons of phosphoric
acid and 8,000 tons of asphalt. By
using the Panama Canal, it has
shortened its trip by 6,000 miles, the
equivalent of 18 days at sea. If the
daily cost of operating the vessel is

calculated at $30,000 per day, the
savings for 18 days would equal
$540,000. After deducting close to
$40,000 in tolls and $30,000 per day
lost transiting the waterway, the net
saving is close to $470,000.
Together with Captains De
Le6n, Carroll and Jensen, we
disembark from the vessel almost
below the Bridge of the Americas,
leaving Captain Theriault to re-
main aboard until the Jo Lonn is
completely clear of the waterway.
A small launch cuts through the
waves to take us to Balboa, where
the three pilots will report the
number of hours they worked.
At five o'clock sharp we say our
good-bye to Captain De Le6n with
a firm handshake. Meanwhile, the
Canal continues operating-it has
been thus for the last 70 years.

A little push Photo by Alcides Rodriguez
The tug "Morrow" keeps the tanker in position as it heads into Gatun Locks.

Oldtimers express their gratitude to PCC

In an effort to express apprecia-
tion to those who built the
engineering marvel that has be-
come the crossroads of the world,
the Panama \Canal Commission
paid special tribute to construction-
day workers during its observance
of the 70th anniversary of the
opening of the Canal in August.
More than 100 of the people who
were involved in the monumental
construction effort are still alive
today. In recognition of their impor-
tant contributions, they were sent
reproductions of the Al Sprague
painting commissioned by the
Commission to commemorate the

70th anniversary and letters of
appreciation from Commission
Administrator D. P. McAuliffe.
"The Canal's longevity and durabil-
ity are a great credit to you and your
fellow construction workers," the
letters said.
Ernest E. Holder of Barbados,
who celebrated his 100th birthday
on June 25, wrote back to thank the
Commission for remembering him
during the observance. "I am
extremely thankful and happy for
the respect and gratitude shown
towards me," he said. "May you
continue to serve the world with
dignity and excellence for many

The SPILLWAY is an official Panama Canal publication. Articles may be reprinted without further
permission by crediting the PANAMA CANAL SPILLWAY as the source. News items should arrive in the
Press Office by noon. Thursday. the week prior to publication. Only urgent, official material will be accepted
after the deadline. Subscriptions for 52 issues are S6 regular mail. $4 regular mail students, and $19 airmail.
Send check or money order payable to the Panama Canal Commission to the Office of Public Affairs, APO
Miami 34011.

more years into the future." Mr.
Holder was originally employed by
the Isthmian Canal Commission as
a blacksmith.
During the anniversary obser-
vance, ten construction-day vet-
erans who live in the Republic of
Panama were invited to be special
guests at an official ceremony in the
rotunda of the Balboa Heights
Administration Building at which
then Panama President Dr. Jorge
Illueca was theguestof honor. They
also attended a reception at the
administrator's residence following
the ceremony. They were Anastacio
Batista, Jose del C. Cerezo,
Augustus Deane, ArthurJ. Evans,
Osvaldo Gonzales, C. A. Hunter,
Constantine A. Parkinson, George
R. Rodney, Clement T. Small and
Elisha Tait.
Mr. Parkinson, who was origi-
nally employed as a railroad
flagman, also wrote to express his
gratitude, saying that he and the
others were "delighted" to be
present at the ceremony and "surely
had an enjoyable time" at the
reception. Mr. Parkinson, who
turned 90 this year, added, "I was
very happy to be around for this
70th anniversary."

Tight fit Photo by Alcides Rodriguez
Measuring 105 feet in beam, the "Jo Lonn" has only 21/2 feet of space on
each side in the 110-foot-wide locks chambers.

Line handlers head home Photo by Alcides Rodriguez
A crew of line handlers disembarks from the "Jo Lonn" after coordinating
a lockage.

Page 5

SNew False Teeth

s on us Parody by David Constable
All I want for Christmas is some new false teeth,
means caron CanSome new false teeth,
caroling onalSome new false teeth
Gosh, if I only had some new false teeth,
Then I could eat meat or ham for Christmas.
It seems so long since I could munch
Caroling has traditionally been a popular And I sure do want to a bunch
pastime during the holiday season. But some of Gosh, oh gee, how happy I'd be, if I could only crunch candy
.All I want for Christmas is some new false teeth,
the lyrics of many well-known carols have little Some new false teeth,
meaning when one is celebrating Christmas on Some new false teeth.
the Isthmus, where the closest thing t the Gosh, if I could only get some new false teeth,
the Isthmus, where the closest thing to the Then I could enjoy a Christmas feast!
Then I could enjoy a Christmas feast!
freezing blizzards of the north are Panama's
cooling dry season breezes. With this in mind,
the staff of the SPILLWAY has prepared these Ode to the "H. R. Parfitt"
p o es fo f the wo w a(Sung to the tune of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer")
parodies for those who want to do some caroling Parody by Maria Balonon
on the Canal. Our sincere apologies are H. R., the snub-nosed tugboat, had a very ugly nose
extended to the original lyricists. But his omni-directional paddle, allowed for back or sideways tows.
All of the other tugboats, used to laugh and call him names.
They never let poor H. R. join in any towboat games.
Then one foggy Christmas Eve, Santa came to say:
"H. R., with your push so strong, won't you guide my ship along!"
Then how the tugboats loved him as they shouted out with glee:
"H. R., the snub-nosed tugboat, you'll go down in history!"

We Three Locks of Panama Can
Burning Sand .Dry Christmas (Sung to the tune of "We Three Kings of Orient Are")
(Sung to the tune of "Jingle Bells') (Sung to the tune of "White Christmas') Parody by Susan K. Stabler
Parody by Oleta Tinnin Parody by Oleta Tinnin We three locks of Panama can
D Dashing through the sand, I'm dreaming of a dry Christmas, Open and close by the touch of a hand
I thought it very grand, Balmy and breezy as of yore, Ships and sailboats, barges, mailboats
Until it got too hot, Where the sun shines brightly All use this wonder of man
Then I thought 'twas not! And stars twinkle nightly
I got up on my toes And waves lap soft against the shore. 'Chorus: O-path of wonder, path of might
And burned all ten of those, Path with high mast lighting bright
Then dashed into the salty sea I'm dreaming of the dry Christmas East-west leading, still proceeding
All the way up to my nose! Panama always has in store. Move those ships through day and night
Give me sunny weather galore,
Chorus: Oh! burning sand, burning sand, And I'll have all I want and more. . -Honking Horns
How you end my fun! (Sung to the tune of "Jingle Bells'")
When the sun is shining bright, Parody by Susan K. Stabler
You really make me run! Dashing through the rain
In an open-air chiva
An hour or two went by 0 Gatun Lake O'er wet streets we go
S I thought I'd take a tr, (Sung to the tune of "0 Christmas Tree") Sipping cold chi-cha
The sand seemed more my style- Parody by Susan K. Stabler Horns honk all around
I thought I'd run a mile. Making tempers ri se
4v foot slipped on a crab, With faithful waters flowing How our hearts begin to pound
M thought I'd run a mileO meWith faithful waterG Lake Makingu temper rise
In air I made a grabThe locks our waters tend to spill Our stomachs knot inside
But with nothing there to hold me up
Sell f a a The rains they come and do refill
Ifelflat as a slab! Gatun Lake, Gatun Lake Chorus: Oh-honking horns, honking horns
With faithful waters flowing Honking all the way
Oh how did we come to be
Folly of St. Nicholas On a chiva bus today?
Honking horns, honking horns
(Sung to the tune of "Jolly Old St. NicholasHonking horns, honking horns
Parody by Oleta Tinnin Up Through the Locks Honking all the way
Jolly old St. Nicholas, (Sung to the tune of "Up on the Housetop") On a chiva bus to a be
What have you done now? Parody by Oleta Tinnin
I will try to rescue vou Over the lock wall a light appears,
But I'm not sure just how. Soon the control house is rocked with cheers. Chr s in ts T c
You have been to Panama Rudolph is lighting the reindeer's wa, Christmas in this Tropic Wonderland
Enough by now to know Making the chamber as light as day! (Sung to the tune of "Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland")
' That the houses don't have chimneys, Parody by Maria Balonon
S And we do not have snow. Chorus: Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go! Christmas day, in Panama
Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go! Not the same, as Omaha
When the clock was striking twelve, Up through the locks in a great big ship, No angels in the snow, where will we go,
I was waiting here. Taking St. Nick on his Christmas trip! On Christmas in this tropic wonderland?
You did not show up as you
Said you would last year. First comqs Gatun with a three-tier rise, Gone away, is the turkey.
Now I find you hanging from The Gold Coast is in for a big surprise! Here to stay, is ceviche.
The flagpole on the hill, Santa is here with his great big pack, It's anchors aweigh, we'll be sunnin' all day,
Your sled wrecked againstt the Building Loaded with toys fit to break his back! On Christmas in this tropic wonderland.
And your packages in a spill.
Over the lake with a rapid zoom! Down by the locks we'll watch a tanker transit
The police have found your reindeer This lock is small, but there's plenty of room! Then pretend that Santa is aboard
Thanks to Rudolph's nose He sets to work with a right good will: He'll say "You the pilot?" We'll say "No man!
Construction crews have fixed your sled Christmas has come to Pedro Miguel! But you can find him if you strike the chord. '
And, thanks to them, it goes.
Bombero crews have brought you down Last Santa's ship comes to Miraflores, Later on, we'll watch the tugs,
And sat you in your sled- He quickly handles all his chores, As we exchange our Christmas hugs
Now, Santa, please be careful Toys for the children and gifts for the rest- It's true don't you know, who needs the snow?
For I am off to bed! Santa is through, and hes done his best! It' Christmas in this tropic wonderland!

Commission families decorate for holiday season

byJoaquin Horna
The colorful sparkle ofdecorated
homes is the first thing that comes
to the minds of many when they
think of Christmas. Among the
familiar images of the season are-
trees, snowmen, the three wise men,
the baby Jesus in the manger and
Santa Claus and his reindeer led by,
Rudolph's red nose. Although the
energy crisis of the 1970's forced
many to turn to less elaborate
decorations, the tradition of dec-
orating for the holiday season has
survived as families continue to
show their joy over the birth of
God's son.
Morayma de Cedeflo of the Pan-
ama Canal Commission Naviga-
tion Division decorates her home
with centerpieces for her table that
she makes herself. This year, in her
spare time she also designed and
painted a plywood Santa Clausand
four large boots for her garden with
assistance from her sons Carlos, 10,
and Romyel, 8. All the otherhouses
on her street are also dressed up for
the occasion. "Last year only a few

H

families decorated their homes,"
she said. "This time we organized to
keep the tradition alive."
The Harrill family starts ob-
serving the holiday season early by
placing an Advent wreath on their
table. They decorate their tree with
chrismons, monograms formed from
the Greek letters of Christ's name,
of mother-of-pearl, plasticand foam.
Their primary goal is to use attrac-
tive and meaningful decorations
that will keep Christ at the center of
their Christmas celebration. Mr.
Harrill is the chief of the Electrical
Division's Communications Branch.
Elaine Stephenson, wife of In-
dustrial Relations Director Michael
Stephenson, decorates her tree with
original-dolls that she makes out of
silk yarn, felt and other materials. It
takes her from two to five hours to
create each doll, and she has been
making them for, about five years
now. They are inspired by the
traditional Christmas symbols, like
the baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph;
by symbols of the season such as
people dressed in winter clothing;
and by local symbols, for instance,

, .$

Original tree Photo by Kevin Jenkins
Tulia Allen, at right, places a star atop the tree she orderedfor the office
of the Official Translator. Made in El Valle of bamboo-like wood, tHe tree
is composed of sections shaped to form the Star of David, ranging from
smaller stars at the top of the tree to larger ones at the bottom. The hand-
made, wooden, European ornaments are on loanfrom Velda Anderson, at
left.

Tradition enriches Latin life

the Kuna indians, the montuno and
the pollera.
The decorations that adorn the
home of Floyd and Sharon Holland
each holiday season come from
Panama and South America and
from a British friend. For the past
14 years, they have also been pre-
paring a traditional "sopa de noche
buena," to share with dozens of
friends. Ms. Holland, an English
instructor at the Training Center,
thinks that children make Christ-
mas a lot more meaningful and
exciting, which is why Sean, 18;
Seanan, 15; and Hillary, 10, playan
important role in decorating the
home.
For Jerry and Carol Hall, who
will be celebrating their first Christ-
mas with their newborn infant,

Garrett, it's different. Since their
marriage in 1973, they've spent a
great deal of time decorating their
home each year. Both enjoyed
holiday decorating during their
childhood years and have con-
tinued the practice as adults. A
marine traffic controller, Mr. Hall
spends two or three weeks dec-
orating the tree. Illumined by 440
little lights and artistically adorned
with a number ofotherdecorations,
the tree reflects that love that its
owners have for the holiday season.
Every Christmas, Iris Vives and
her five children arrange their man-
ger scene as a family. "The most
important thing happens at mid-
night on Christmas Eve when we lay
the baby Jesus in the arms of the
Virgin Mary," reports Ms. Vives, a

special placement officer for the
Office of Personnel Administra-
tion. For the past five years. Ms.
Vives has also helped to organize
her church's holiday activities, which
has helped her to better understand
the true meaning of the season.
"Christmas is not just for cleaning
out and decorating the house," she
says, "but also foi renewing our-
selves."
For many. Christmas is the most
wonderful time of year. The nights
are colorfully lit, and the holiday
decorations bring joy to the young
and old alike. As the Christmas
spirit moves in the hearts of mil-
lions, the world is transformed into
a place of dreams and fantasy where
peace and loveabound-as itshould
be all year round.

Exotic turtles attract local collector

by Oleta Tinnin
Down through the ages, turtles
have captured the attention of
many as they waddled their way
into our cultural heritage. Thestory
of thetortoiseand thehareis related
as a moral tale to children at an
early age, and young readers enjoy
the tortoise in Alice's Adventuresin
Wonderland,.who taught"reeling,"
"writhing" and the four branches of
arithmetic-ambition, distraction,
uglification and derision.
A child's first pet is often a tiny
turtle that lives inanaquariumand
entertains the fainily with its antics.
And, because they outlive all other
vertebrates, including man, these
animals have come to be regarded
as symbols of longevity.
For these and many other reasons,
turtles are a popular subject among
art enthusiasts and collectors from
every county in the world. Olga
BMliz, the wife of the Panama Canal
Commission Public Affairs Di-
rector,'has collected 167 of them.
She has brought back turtles from
every country she has visited since
1968. The only places that she has

int^' a~"~' "a

not visited and that are conse-
quently not represented in her
collection are Africa and Australia.
Next year she hopes to visit both
places looking for new turtles to
add to the collection.
Some of her turtles are quite
large-mostly the earlier acquisi-
tions, because she soon learned that
smaller ones were easier to trans-
port and display. The collection is
divided into South and Central
American, European, Oriental and
U.S. specimens that range from
cloth-represented by a stuffed
mola turtle from the San Blas
Islands-to those made of semi-
precious stones from almost every-
where.
Ceramic models rub noses with
thoge of soapstone and wood, Hol-
land Blue Delft sets off Hohg Kong
malachite and Taiwan jade, and
Vienna crystal reflects the Chilean
lapis lazuli and Chinese mother-of-
pearl of neighboring turtles.
At one end of her display, a set of
turtles carrying instruments makes
up a musical group for the enjoy-
ment of turtle youngsters ranging
along behind on their mothers'
backs. A ceramic set forms tooth-

pick and napkin holders for a.
specialized table setting, and others
become ashtrays and. other utility
items when set upon their backs. A
few of the turtles have moveable
parts that make them appear to be
real; and one is real, although no
longer living, and very artistically
stuffed.
Among the most interesting mem-
bers of the collection are the turtles
from the People's Republic of China
that represent the Chineseemperor.
They are different from the oC-
cidental specimens in that they have
the heads of dragons. In Chinese
mythology, dragons are said to be
the most sacred of animals and the
bearers of luck, longevity, hap-
piness and all that is good.
Encyclopaedia Britannica tells
us that turtles were already numer-
ous 175 million years ago and have
"plodded a stolid and steady course
through evolutionary time."Though
very similar as a group, they vary
according to their home environ-
ment-someare flat, some humped
and some more colorful than others.
All are represented in the Elliz
collection, with artistic variations
in material and decoration.

by Roy Naylor However, no matter where the
Although some people are con- dinner is served, the older members
vinced that "Christmas is for kids," are seated at the head of the table
this isnotthecasein Latin America, and are showered with all sorts of
where the holiday festivities take on attention and gifts, the latter usually
a more religious flavor than in other presented by their grandchildren
parts of the world. In this part of the and great-grandchildren.
world, the holiday season starts at The dinner itself is truly a feast
the beginning of December as prep- and includes such tempting morsels
arations are made for many chil- as "tamales" of corn meal that are
dren to take their first communion stuffed with chicken or pork; the
on Mothers' Day, or December 8. "lechona," or roast piglet; the "ros-
From that time on, the thoughts of ca," a circular bread enriched with
everyone turn to the traditional eggs; ham; turkey; potato salad; .
family reunion for the "cena de rice and peas; eggnog; and fruit-
Navidad,"or Christmas Eve dinner, cake.
which is equivalent to Thanks- Rejoicing in this manner just
giving dinner in the United States. before Christmas binds Latin fam-
In Panama, a Christmas Eve ilies together as they express the
reunion often requires several mem-, warmthdn their hearts, their respect Turtles galore Photos by Arthur Pollack
bers of the family to travel to or for their elders and the love theyfeel Olga B4liz admires a portion of her international turtle collection at her home in Balboa Heights. A close-up of
from the interior of the republic, for each other, some of the turtles is shown in the insert.

.. ... ...

THE PANAMA CANAL SPILLWAY

Diciembre 21, 1984

Cruise season under way at Panama Canal

Another cruise season has begun,
and passenger-loaded liners will be
making their way through the Pan-
ama Canal. Although cruise ships
move through the waterway through-
out the year, they come in much
greater numbers during the dry
season, providing those aboard
with a means of escaping the harsh
winters up north.

Aside from the contribution the
cruise ships make to traffic levels at
the Canal, the passengers theycarry
provide economic benefits to Pan-
ama. With this in mind, local travel
agents and the Panama Tourist
Bureau (IPAT) are making a joint
effort to encourage tour whole-
salers to include Panama and the
Canal in their travel itineraries.

Other steps have included propos-
ing additional stops at local points
of interest.
The effort is primarily being
made to offset a recentdeclinein the
number of cruise-ship passengers
entering the country. Although the
number of transiting passenger-
carrying vessels showed no change
from fiscal year 1983 to 1984 and

there was only a slight decline in the
number of passengers aboard those
vessels, IPAT statistics indicate
that the number of passengers
entering the country at the Canal
terminals of Balboa and Cristobal
during the first nine months of 1984
(12,544) dropped substantially from
the same period in 1983 (16,149).
It is hoped that the joint promo-

tional effort now under way will
encourage more passengers to come
ashore and visit local attractions. In
the meantime, those aboard tran-
siting cruise ships are provided with
the opportunity to take a close-up
look at one of the engineering
wonders of the world. (See separate
stories about two such ships on this
page).

"Royal Princess

makes majestic maiden transit

Of the vessels that transited the
Panama Canal on December 8, one
in particular attracted more than
the average amount of attention as
it made its way through the path
between the seas. The Royal Prin-
cess, considered to be the most
advanced cruise ship in service
today because of its many design
innovations, was of interest not
only to luxury liner enthusiasts, but
also to television viewers. "Love
Boat" fans were out in numbers
hoping to catch a glimpse of the cast
and the special guest stars, among
them Lana Turner and Stewart
Granger, as footage for the show
was being filmed.
Panama Canal Commission of-
ficials and representatives of the
National Port Authority (APN)
were also on hand to welcome the
new vessel as it made its maiden
transit through the Canal. Com-
mission Deputy Administrator Fer-
nando Manfredo Jr. and APN
director Rafil Brostella presented
the ship's master, Capt. John
Young, with plaques commemorat-
ing the occasion, and Captain Young
reciprocated.
Measuring 757.87 feet in length
with a beam of 95.80 feet, the Royal
Princess will be a regular customer
at the Canal, with some 20 transits
scheduled for fiscal year 1985. The
maiden transit, involving a toll of
close to $69,000, was made en route
from Miami to the vessel's home
port of Los Angeles. The ship will
cruise via the Canal to San Juan
each spring and northward to Alaska
during the summer months. Long-
range plans include the possibility
of longer voyages and round-the-

world cruises. Norton, Lilly and
Co. is the agent for the ship at the
Canal.
The vessel is the flagship of the
U.S.-based Princess Cruise Line,
which also operates the Sun Prin-
cess, Island Princess and Pacific
Princess, all regular users of the
Canal. Christened by Great Britain's
Princess Diana on November 15 at
Southampton, England, the Royal
Princess began its maiden voyageto
Miami four days later.
Peninsular and Oriental Steam
Navigation Company (P&O), the
parent company for Princess
Cruises, has carried such illustri-
ous passengers as English writers
Rudyard Kipling, Anthony Trol-
lope, Edward M. Forster and William
Thackeray, who immortalized his
first cruise in thebook"From Corn-
hill to Grand Cairo." A reminis-
cence- of that era now aboard the
Royal Princess is the glass-enclosed
model of the Delta, the last P&O
paddle steamer, which was built in
London in 1859.
The liner is specially designed so
that the 600 staterooms face outside
from atop the vessel. Each has a
picture window, and 152 have pri-
vate balconies. Each cabin also has
a shower, tub and multichannel
open- and closed-circuit television.
The main public rooms are ar-
ranged horizontally on a single level,
and there are two acres of teakwood
open-deck space. The entrance foyer
features a sculpture encircled by a
sweeping staircase, and on the level
above, a circular balcony resem-
bling an open-air cafe overlooks the
picturesque plaza. The shipalsocon-
tains a beauty salon, five-ward med-

ical center, theater, library, casino,
gym and spa, four swimming pools
and a promenade deck with a jogg-
ing track, as well as several lounges,
bars and night clubs.
The spacious and elegant dining
room seats 616. The galley of the
Royal Princess uses one ton of meat
and poultry daily, a quarter ton of
fish and flour, a three-quarter ton of
vegetables, 3,000 eggs, 2,000 pieces
of fresh fruit, 4,000 baked rolls and
1,500 pastries.
Built to accommodate 1,260 pas-
sengers and 500 crew members, the
Royal Princess cost $150 million.
The price of a cruise is somewhat
higher than the average because of
the small passenger capacity in rela-
tion to the size of the ship. The tar-
geted annual revenue for the vessel
is $100 million, and theaverage fare
is $350 a day.
The United States is expected to
furnish the majority of the passen-
gers for the new ship. Decor on the
Royal Princess was, therefore, de-
signed to appeal to the targeted mar-
ket-people over the age of 50 living
in Texas, California and Florida.
Soft beige carpeting, walls and
furnishings, complemented by brass
fixtures, are highlighted by original
artwork costing a quarter of a
million British pounds.
The decor includes a variety of
art forms carefully coordinated by
the artists and designers, aiming at
simplicity with elegance. Although
the ship was built in Wartsila's
Helsinki yard in Finland, most of
the contributing artists and de-
signers are British with the basic
design ideas created by Hirsch/
Bender of Los Angeles.

Royal maiden Photo by Armando De Gracia
Tourists line the upper decks of the "Royal Princess" to get a close-up look
at the Panama Canal during the vessel's maiden transit,

"Great Rivers Explorer"

visits colorful attractions

by Susan K. Stabler
"You'll sweat and you'll get
muddy, but you'll have the time of
your lives," warns the cruise
director who greets passengers
aboard the Great Rivers Explorer
as they prepare for a six- to nine-day
excursion that will take them
through the Panama Canal and to
many of the other colorful attrac-
tions in the Republic of Panama.

Beginning in 1982, the Great
Rivers Explorer has been a regular
visitor in Panama waters from
November to April. It operates
several cruises per month, some
beginning on the Pacific side and
others on the Atlantic, offering in
each case the Canal transit as a
major selling point. This year, the
first cruise began on November 10
in Balboa, and the last will depart
from Cristobal on April 13.

The 152-foot ship, which has the
capacity for 92 passengers, is
among several operated by the
Seattle-based Exploration Cruise
Lines. It is, however, the only one
that makes Panama a part of its
annual itinerary.

Trimmed smartly in royal blue,
the white, three-tiered vessel looks
something like a Disneyland jungle
riverboat. Inside, passengers have a
choice of four classes of modern
staterooms that are priced accord-
ing to their location and size, but
everyone is "in the same boat" for
everything else on board. Facilities

include sun and viewing decks, a
lounge, a bar and a spacious dining
room.

With such amenities, where does
the mud and sweat come in? More
than likely, somewhere in the
Darien jungle. The cruise, regard-
less of whether it consists of a
northbound or southbound transit
through the Canal, also includes
stops at Taboga, the Perlas Islands,
Portobelo, the San Blas Islands
and, when the tide is just right, a
Choc6 Indian village located a
halfhour's cayuco ride up the Mogue
River in the Darien.

On board, entertainment runs
from champagne punch parties in
the ship's lounge to live toad races
on the bridge deck. In an informal,
relaxed atmosphere, passengers
may also learn from a naturalist,
through lectures and slide pre-
sentations, about the culture,
history and wildlife of the places
they visit on the cruise.

Fares are designed to attract both
local residents and tourists booking
passage months in advance and
include shipboard accommoda-
tions, meals and planned shore
excursions. Anyone desiring addi-
tional information may contact
Margo Tours S.A. at 64-9796 or
write to Exploration Cruise Lines,
1500 Metropolitan Park Building,
Seattle, WA 98101. Panama Agen-
cies is the agent for the vessel at the
Canal.